Jess Houghton works long hours as a critical care nurse but still finds time to carry out her passion for sewing.

The 25-year-old has made a name for herself on handmade shopping site Etsy, which led to a catwalk show in Melbourne last month.

“It was great seeing my creations come down the catwalk,” she said.

“There’s about 100 hours of work in some of the bridal gowns I have made.”

RAW: natural born artists, an independent arts organisation, hosted the May 23 event showcasing other fashion designers, musicians and visual artists.

Four bridal and four bridesmaid dresses were shown.

Ms Houghton gets a buzz out of seeing her dresses worn.

She recently sold a gown to an Army general’s wife in the US who was hosting a national ball for returned servicemen.

The cream dupion silk dress was covered in blue butterflies.

“It’s exciting to think about someone over the other side of the world wearing my creation,” she said.

Ms Houghton is self-taught and sources her fabrics online and on the Border.

Specialising in hand-sewn details, many of her creations feature lace, flowers and butterflies.

She is working on a debutante dress.